JWV sends care packages to U.S. troops overseas

Lt. Seth Dvorin Post 972 of the Jewish War Veterans is sponsoring a drive to send food and gifts to service people serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The project, dubbed "SOS" for Support Our Service people, sends packages to active military of all faiths through chaplains stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

On two Sundays in December, members of the post collected gifts and funds from shoppers at the Wal-Mart in Freehold Township.

Eight shopping carts overflowing with merchandise as well as more than $1,200 was collected from shoppers as they entered or left Wal-Mart during the two weekends. An anonymous donor contributed $360 to kick off the drive.

The drive, which was originated by Dr. Annette Weinstein and her late husband, Bernie, of Old Bridge, is an outgrowth of a project begun at Weinsteins's temple, according to a press release from the JWV.

When members of JWV Post 972 heard that the project was in need of a new sponsor, the post members supported it unanimously.

Weinstein, whose son is in the Mar-ines and completing his second tour of duty in the current conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, said, "It is and honor and privilege to be working with the Jewish War Veterans, a very special group of people who understand the needs of our deployed servicemen and servicewomen."

Weinstein, along with friends Michael Hoffman and Maureen McMahon, also of Old Bridge, are the first "Patron Mem-bers" of the post and are active participants in the SOS project. Hoffman and McMahon expressed their amazement and gratitude for the generosity of all of the contributors.

"The most amazing thing," McMahon said, "was how many people thanked us for doing this."

Hoffman recalled one contributor who shouted "Semper Fi" as he dropped some bills into the collection jar.

Richard Dvorin, commander of Post 972, said, "While I realize there are many people who do not support the war in Iraq, it is the responsibility of every American to support our troops. I am happy to see that Monmouth County has a large population who are showing their support by donating to our SOS program. Post 972 will be forever appreciative of their generosity and devotion to the outstanding men and women fighting to preserve the American way of life."

Post 972 is named in memory of Dvorin's son, Seth, who was killed during the current conflict.

The cash collected will be used to cover the costs of packaging and shipping, in addition to purchasing more food and gifts for the troops.

The first mailing occurred on Feb. 11 when post members gathered at the Aberdeen Township Fire District No. 1 firehouse on Lloyd Road, Aberdeen, to pack and label boxes. The shipments will be a continuing project of Post 972.

To volunteer time or to make a donation (payable to JWV Post 972 SOS), contact Lt. Seth Dvorin Post 972 JWV of the USA, Marlboro Jewish Center, 103 School Road West, Marlboro 07746, or call (732) 254-2679.